Number_i Faces Image Crisis Due to Fans’ Bad Behavior One Year After Formation
Growing Criticism: “I Really Hope They Follow Basic Morals”
On October 15, the trio group “Number_i,” consisting of Shō Hirano (27), Yūta Kishi (29), and Yūta Jinguji (26), celebrated their one-year anniversary since formation. While the three are expanding their activities, they are facing intense scrutiny regarding their fans on social media.
The issue arose from the “WIRED MUSIC FESTIVAL 2024” held in Aichi Prefecture on October 13. The festival, themed “From Japan to the World,” featured a lineup of impressive artists, including American rapper NLE Choppa (21) and Yuki Chiba (34), with Number_i also participating. However, criticism has been directed at the fans for their unruly behavior during the event.
“After the event, there were numerous voices on X pointing out the poor manners of Number_i fans. It seems that, wanting to see the three up close, fans surged forward, leading to arguments with other attendees who tried to intervene. Furthermore, while the festival’s official site allowed photography within the venue, they prohibited filming or recording the performing artists. Nonetheless, photos and videos of the three during their performance were posted on social media,” reported a sports entertainment journalist.
Indeed, on the internet, there have been comments like:
“The manners of Number_i fans make them seem not like Japanese people at all. I don’t think everyone is at fault, but it’s shocking how even small children were pushed aside. Despite complaints about the pain and requests to stop, they ignored it and kept pushing forward, even getting angry and demanding space.”
“There were many rude fans asking, ‘Who is that?’ and saying things like, ‘I don’t know any songs from other performers,’ and ‘Is Shō-chan still not here?’ I was taken aback by their poor manners.”
“Some Number_i fans openly cut in line, while others were holding back their desire to see from a better spot. I really hope they follow basic morals and don’t act selfishly.”
There have been voices criticizing the poor manners of some fans.
Since their performance at the “ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2024” on August 11, Number_i has been participating in several music festivals. However, it seems that their fans’ behavior at these festival venues has become a significant concern.
Fans causing a commotion in front of stores and blocking the streets.
There have been reports of fans causing disruptions and blocking the streets in front of stores. An insider from a record company reveals:
“When other artists perform, the energy doesn’t reach the same level, and some fans still behave as if they’re at an idol concert, waving fans and all. Many festivals prohibit video recording and bringing fans, and seating is usually unassigned. It seems that there’s a lack of understanding regarding these rules, which creates a temperature difference between fans of different artists.”
The opportunity to see the trio perform up close may have led to some fans going wild in their enthusiasm. However, the behavior of some fans has raised eyebrows not just at music festivals.
“In November 2023, when Hirano, Kishi, and Ginjou participated in a tie-up event with Yves Saint Laurent’s perfume, nearly 300 fans lined up at the Omotesando Hills shop. While most fans obeyed the rules and waited patiently, there were a few who caused a commotion in front of the store and blocked the road. Additionally, in July of this year, at McDonald’s, where Number_i starred in a commercial, some fans reportedly complained to the store staff about not having the trio’s posters displayed prominently.”
Number_i’s fanbase consists largely of middle-aged individuals with significant purchasing power, leading many companies to want to hire the trio for promotions. However, if the inconsiderate actions of some fans continue, it could ultimately result in a negative perception of Number_i fans, impacting the image of the three members as well.
It’s hard to believe that the members would be pleased with such wild behavior from a portion of their fanbase.
PHOTO.: AP/Afro, Getty Images